Sabria Túrrhis

Jump to navigation Jump to search
The Sabria Túrrhis today.

Sabria Túrrhis, literally Sabrian Tower is a stone structure located on the eastern coast of Knichus, 15 kilometers south-east of the city of Phoscara. The site was the location of a Makedonian outpost created sometime after the Second Sabrian War. The outpost originally consisted of several structures, including a barracks, mess hall, a small theater, and pens for keeping livestock. Although the primary inhabitants were a detachment of soldiers from the Ancient Makedonian army, it is likely that the camp was accompanied by a small number of civilians, either local Knichans or family members of the Makedonians. Only the tower and access bridge remain standing today.

The specific year of construction is unkown. Studies of the stones used to construct the tower and support buildings point towards a late 7th, early 8th Century construction which would place it's construction shortly after the conclusion of the Sabrian Wars. There is some evidence it was built upon an existing set of structures but an exact origin cannot be determined. The stone bridge that connects the tower to the coastline matches with the tide; at low tide the base of the support columns are uncovered, while at high tide the water reaches the keystone of the arch. The tower itself consists of a fortified square structure that stands 11 meters tall, with taller battlement that reaches a 20 meter peak. The interior of the structure contains several rooms including what appears to have been sleeping quarters, an storage space for food, an armory, and an officer's quarters.

No sources in antiquity directly mention the Sabria Túrrhis, but is believed to have been included in a general set of orders to construct fortifications along the coast of Knichus. The tower was most likely built in order to safeguard Makedonian control over Knichus and keep watch for the Sabrian Empire. It may also have been used to keep track of merchant vessels sailing between Lirinya, Cacerta, Tennai and the Gylias. It was likely maintained by the Makedonians until the Makedonian-Ridevan War, after which Knichus was ceded by the Empire and the outpost was abandoned. Assuming a construction date sometime around 700 CE, the site was occupied by the Makedonians for approximately 460 years.

Although there are no signs it was intended as such, the Sabria Túrrhis was effectively served as the eastern extent of Makedonian domain. It is the eastern-most location in Tyran known to have been occupied by Makedon; the distance between the tower and the ancient Makedonian capital of Parilla is nearly 7,000 kilometers. The tower is a minor tourist attraction and among local Knichans is referred to as Puesto de avanzada en la edfe del mundo; "outpost at the edge of the world".